How hard is Passo dello Stelvio?

Classified as Hors Catégorie, Passo dello Stelvio is one of the most demanding climbs you’ll face — save your best legs for this one.

How long is Passo dello Stelvio?

Passo dello Stelvio is 24.9km long with 1,846m of elevation gain. At a typical climbing pace, expect the ascent to take roughly 2 hours and 29 minutes.

Where does Passo dello Stelvio start?

Passo dello Stelvio starts on the Strado in Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy. The starting coordinates are 46.6170°N, 10.5913°E.

What is the steepest section of Passo dello Stelvio?

The steepest 100-metre section of Passo dello Stelvio hits 10.3%. A serious ramp that will have you out of the saddle. The average gradient across the full climb is 7.4%.

When is the best time to ride Passo dello Stelvio?

Passo dello Stelvio is best ridden around September, when temperatures sit around 18°C. At this altitude, snow can linger into early summer and conditions change quickly.

HC Strado

Passo dello Stelvio

Trentino-Alto Adige, italy

The Strado rises 24.9km through alpine terrain above the treeline, gaining 1,846m to 2,759m. A sustained 7.4% average gradient with a maximum of 10.3% makes this a steady and demanding ascent. The 48 hairpin bends define this climb — each switchback a landmark, each straight a test of resolve. The summit at 2,759m sits above the treeline, where the air thins and the views extend to distant peaks. Located in Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy.

The 2nd climb in Italy by summit elevation.
The 1st climb in Trentino-Alto Adige by elevation gain.
Longer than 98% of climbs in Italy.
Summit above 2700m — expect thin air, snow into early summer, and conditions that change fast.
48 hairpin bends — the switchbacks are the rhythm of this climb, each one a small victory.

Passo dello Stelvio

Trentino-Alto Adige, italy

24.9km 1846m 7.4%

Distance

24.9km

Avg Gradient

7.4%

Max Gradient

10.3%

Elevation Gain

1846m

Summit

2,759m

Wall Rating

7.5

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Conditions

Best time to ride: Spring to Autumn

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Temperature

-0.7° Cold

3.8° Cold

5.6° Cool

8.7° Cool

13.6° Mild

20.5° Warm

22.2° Warm

21.1° Warm

17.5° Mild

12.9° Mild

5.7° Cool

1.5° Cold

Rainfall

50mm Light

44mm Light

40mm Light

65mm Light

114mm Moderate

85mm Moderate

93mm Moderate

106mm Moderate

68mm Light

103mm Moderate

114mm Moderate

99mm Moderate

Wind

7km/h Calm

6km/h Calm

7km/h Calm

6km/h Calm

What things cost

Typical prices in Italy

€1.50

Coffee

€5.00

Beer

€12.00

Meal

€1.00

Water

The Story

48 Hairpins to the Roof

The Passo dello Stelvio is the highest paved pass in the Eastern Alps at 2,757m. With 48 hairpin bends on the classic Prato side and some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in Europe, it is a bucket-list climb for every cyclist.

The Climb

The classic ascent from Prato allo Stelvio is 24.3km of sustained climbing, gaining 1,808m. The gradient is remarkably consistent at 7-8%, with the famous sequence of hairpins above the treeline providing one of cycling's most photogenic experiences.

Each hairpin is numbered and the higher you climb, the more spectacular the views become. By hairpin 30, you're above 2,000m and the air is noticeably thinner. The final stretch to the summit traverses a vast, exposed mountainside where snow lingers well into summer.

History

The Stelvio has featured in the Giro d'Italia since 1953. The 1988 stage in a snowstorm — where Andy Hampsten took the maglia rosa — is one of cycling's most legendary days. Fausto Coppi, the Campionissimo, considered it the ultimate test.

Pro Tip

The road is typically open from June to October, depending on snow. Start early — the pass gets busy with motorbikes and cars from mid-morning. The descent is long and cold, even in summer. Bring a gilet and full-finger gloves.